imaginative

adjective

i-'ma-jə-nə-tiv How to pronounce imaginative (audio)
Definition of imaginativenext
1
as in inventive
having the skill and imagination to create new things an imaginative child who is always writing short stories about her pet cat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in innovative
showing a noteworthy use of the imagination and creativity especially in inventing found an imaginative gadget that can grind the beans and heat the water to brew coffee

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of imaginative Here was an opportunity to be bold and imaginative but only a few clubs, such as Huddersfield Town (again, more on them later), took up the challenge. — Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026 There are dance sequences to come, and delight to be had as their own kids demonstrate the same ferocious capacity for imaginative play in later years. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026 Creative flow grows as sensual Venus moves through your 5th House of Creativity, while imaginative Neptune contrasts from your 11th House of Friends and Aspirations. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 10 Aug. 2026 The other, more imaginative name the team had dreamed up was BlackBerry. — HubSpot, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for imaginative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for imaginative
  1. inventive
  2. innovative
  3. creative
  4. clever
  5. talented
Adjective
  • All the entries are highly personal, bracingly creative and audaciously inventive recreations of immortal standards familiar throughout the world.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Dinner Time The Nest brings an upscale sensibility to the burger joint, with gourmet beef, bison, and black bean patties dressed in inventive combinations, plus a full menu of alternatives for anyone not in a burger mood.
    — John Godfrey Published, Midwest Living, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of inventive
Adjective
  • Featuring exteriors by Espen Øino International, interiors by Reymond Langton Design, and naval architecture by Lürssen, Whisper (then Kismet) won a prestigious World Superyacht Award in 2015 thanks to its innovative design.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Though potential mission delays could still open up opportunities for these innovative flyers to tag along.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of innovative
Adjective
  • Gager stepped down from his role in 2017, but his creative streak remains strong.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • At the new Artistry in Action area at University and Tasso, artists and instructors from the Pacific Art League will take visitors through the creative process — with questions welcome.
    — Linda Zavoral, Mercury News, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of creative
Adjective
  • The battery is smaller, lighter and cleverer than most rivals.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Fraud rarely flourishes because criminals are exceptionally clever.
    — Sreedhar Potarazu, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of clever
Adjective
  • Riley has a talented veteran QB (Jayden Maiava), a strong O-line and now mad scientist Gary Patterson as defensive coordinator.
    — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Created by Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson, Yellowjackets is the saga of a team of wildly talented high school girls soccer players who become the (un)lucky survivors of a plane crash deep in the remote northern wilderness.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of talented

Browse Nearby Words

imagination
imaginative
imaginativeness
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Cite this Entry

“Imaginative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/imaginative. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on imaginative

Nglish: Translation of imaginative for Spanish Speakers

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